Q: What are the requirements?
A: You must be either:

• A native English speaker or 
• Have sound English vocabulary

No prior Mandarin experience is necessary. All levels are welcome. People of all ages are accepted.

Q: What is the application procedure?
A: There are several stages to the application process:

• Fill in the online enquiry form
• One of our representatives will contact you within 48 hours
• We will find a suitable host company according to your request
• You will be notified on whether your application has been successful

Q: What is not included?
A: The following are not included in the Program fees:

• Return air ticket
• Visa fees
• Accommodation & meals (except teacher and hospitality internships)
• Travel Insurance – you recommend you purchase travel insurance from your home country prior to departure. If you are unsure what you need please ask us

Q: What are the ages of people on the Program? What are their nationalities?
A: The majority of participants are between 21 and 30 years old. However, we do have people from 18 through to 45 joining the program. Our students come from all over the world including USA, Europe, Asia, Australia and NZ.

Q: What kind of visa is needed?
A: We will issue you an invitation letter to apply for a visa in your home country. Visa fees will be incurred at your own expense. The program is a cultural exchange program, so you will enter China with an 'F' visa which is the cultural exchange visa.

Q: What are the program dates? What is the closing date to apply for the program?
A: Click here to view program dates and closing dates to apply for them.

Q: What happens when I arrive in China?
A: Our CIP staff will be waiting at the airport arrivals hall with a clearly recognisable sign and will take you to your accommodation. In the first couple of days we will give you a tour of view some local tourist spots and markets as well as hold a welcome dinner for you. There will be an orientation to familiarize yourself with China. Your intensive Mandarin classes will commence after a few days.

Q: Is accommodation and meals provided?
A: They are not provided (except hospitality and teaching internships). Your host company may take you out for the occasion meal or work function. We can help find you accommodation according to your budget. For tips on meals click here.

Q: Do I need special insurance?
A: You definitely need special insurance to cover personal liability, emergency, medical and repatriation expenses, loss and theft of luggage and valuables. We also advise you to be covered for cancellation of trip and inability to continue your course.

Q: What kind of activities and excursions are there?
A: We will occasionally arrange excursions during the year or some activities as a means to catch up with you and in the process see more of China. You can also view our articles section for ideas on things to do whilst you are here.

Q: Am I required to do the Mandarin course?
A:  A Unless you already speak Mandarin you will be required to do a minimum of 4 weeks intensive Mandarin prior to your internship. This will enable you to get by in daily situations as well as interact with your future colleagues.

Q: When do classes start?
A: A Classes start the first Monday of each month.

Q: I speak some Mandarin but would like to improve. Do you offer courses for all levels?
A: If you already speak some Mandarin we can arrange a course to suit your level.

Q: Where will the Mandarin classes be held?
A: A Your classes are conducted at the world class, Quick Chinese language school. The teachers are experienced, extremely patient and use interactive learning teaching methods.

Q: What industries are they available in?
A: Internships are available in Beijing and Shanghai within many industries. These include corporate, media, teaching and hospitality. Please specify your preferences in the enquiry form and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Q: What types of roles and what types of work environment will I be working in?
A: The role, responsibilities and work environment will depend entirely on three factors:

• Your academic and professional level of experience: The internship is tailored to reflect and build on your existing level of experience, making the experience interesting and meaningful
• The length of your internship: Longer internships ensure a more involved role, greater responsibility and autonomy for the intern. Your chances of future employment with the respective company or enhanced
• The type of industry you select: The work environment will differ greatly from industry to industry. We work with companies of all sizes

Q: What kind of accommodation does CIP provide?
A: We can arrange a number of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget. These include: shared housing, hostels, hotel, home stay or your own apartment.

A: What is housing like in China?
A: Housing is very simple in China where most people in cities live in small high-rise apartments. The apartments vary in condition but expectations are not to be made as China is still learning to adapt to western style living. Air conditioning, water and other facilities can also vary between living locations.

Q: What is the cost for the different types of housing?
A: The prices will vary depending on the area you choose to live. Please ask our staff and we can gladly provide you will an approximate price for your situation.

Q: Where are the houses located?
A: Generally, shared housing is situated closer to the city. We will organize accommodation after the confirmation of your internship to ensure that the accommodation is within a commutable distance to the host company.

For Teaching internship FAQ’s click here
Paid Hospitality Work Experience FAQ’s

Q: What is Hospitality Work Experience?
A: This is an exciting opportunity for applicants wanting to gain international experience and as a stepping stone into the hospitality world. Hospitality internships are designed for people looking for work experience in Food and Beverage

Q: Why participate?
A: Participation in a Hospitality internship is a great opportunity to:

• Gain practical skills in the Chinese hospitality and Customer Service industry
• Have first-hand experience with some of the best in the Chinese Hospitality industry
• Equip yourself with real practical experience to which you can use upon returning home
• Experience China, the Chinese tradition and culture through its people and food

Q: Is accommodation and meals provided?
A: You accommodation and meals shall be provided by your host company. You will also receive a 2000RMB monthly allowance.